Lawsuit: KMCO personnel knew of leak before plant explosion in Crosby

According to the complaint, personnel at the plant were aware of a leak in the line before the explosion.

Author:
Lisa Carter

Published:
3:34 PM CDT April 8, 2019

Updated:
3:34 PM CDT April 8, 2019

HOUSTON — Three workers injured in an explosion at the KMCO plant in Crosby claim plant personnel knew about a valve leak that led to the explosion, according to a new lawsuit.

Aurelio Campos, Jose Flores and Noe Flores, the three workers who filed the lawsuit, claim a check valve on a high pressure line failed, causing the leak and explosion at the KMCO plant on April 2. According to the complaint, personnel at the plant were aware of a leak in the line before the explosion.

The three men were injured, and James "Bubba" Mangum, another employee, died in the explosion that rocked the area when a transfer line ignited a tank full of isobutylene.